How to Drink Tea As An Animist: What Is Hui Gan? 

From Mandarin, Hui Gan (回甘) translates as “returning sweetness”. It’s the finish (much like what’s experienced in fine wines) that is both a sensation and a flavor that is left on the palate after Tea is consumed. With Teas with strong Hui Gan, the finish can be sensed beyond the mouth, and can spill over onto your entire body. In my animist work, I see Hui Gan less as a “finish” or aftertaste, and more as an afterglow, or simply how the specific Tea says until we meet again.